ND2 gearbox whine on 1.5 Sport Nav+

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
2

Today I noticed a gearbox whine when lifting off the throttle in 3rd gear. The car was bought new in March this year and has done about 850 miles. This is the first time I‘ve noticed it. I suppose it could be the transmission bedding in but it would be useful to know what others think. I’m aware that there have been issues with the ND gearbox, especially the earlier 2 litre ND1. The car is under warranty of course, so I can take it back to the dealer if necessary. I know there are many knowledgeable ND owners on here, so any help/advice would be much appreciated…

3

My 2 litre ND2 has no whine from the gearbox I can hear.

I would report it to the dealer but I’m sure they will say “they all do that Sir!”

4

Thanks…I plan to contact them tomorrow and see what they say. 

5

Update: Took the car for an extended drive with a Mazda technician a couple of days ago, no sign of any whine and hasn’t occurred since. Obviously will keep an eye (and an ear) on things but with a bit of luck it’s nothing untoward. 

6

I had my gearbox replaced last Sept for this very reason and by quoting the Tech bulletins of the USA as well as the one in the UK that states, “if an owner reports an unusual noise from the transmission”… However, the new gearbox does the same. Between 2500 and 3000 revs, when you lift off the gas, you get a grinding/whining noise. I only notice it with the roof is up so I now only drive it with the roof down.

7

Thanks for your input RJS463. I intend to monitor the situation closely. As I understand it the 1.5 is less troublesome, but presumably not immune. 

8

That might be the case, but it’s the same gearbox.

 

9

I’ve had a V1 and V5 gearbox, they both whine. 

10

The 6 speed 'box on my NC2’s had a slight whine in certain circumstances (2nd & 3rd gears, usually on the over-run) ever since I bought the - then new - car.  35,000 miles later & it’s no worse.  I did read somewhere that this is a “characteristic”, all part of the MX-5 driving experience to emulate sports cars of the 1960s/70s.  Also of course (to save weight…) there isn’t as much soundproofing in these cars as in mainstream models.

Additionally the gearbox is situated much closer to the driver than is the case in a front wheel drive vehicle so if there is any noise it’ll be more apparent.

11

Thanks to all for your useful thoughts. If it‘s a characteristic then I’m ok to live with it. If it’s a fault I’d want to get it fixed. Overall the feedback does give me a bit more optimism that it‘s a characteristic…